Our firm is capable of handling litigation matters in state and federal courts. Although litigation may be expensive, sometimes it is necessary. We are able to handle litigation matters from the filing of the complaint and answer through the appeals process. We handle all litigation matters with a view toward obtaining an appropriate result at a reasonable fee. Glenn E. Forbes has litigated thousands of matters over the years, has participated in hundreds of bench and jury trials and probably taken at least 1000 depositions. FORBES LAW LLC is happy to consult with clients on litigation matters.

So, WHAT is litigation? Simply stated, the procedures that follow the filing of a lawsuit can be called LITIGATION. A lawsuit is a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant’s actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy. The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint. If the plaintiff is successful, judgment will be given in the plaintiff's favor, and a variety of court orders may be issued to enforce a right, award damages, or impose a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent an act or compel an act. A declaratory judgment may be issued to prevent future legal disputes. Sounds easy enough, right?

Rules of civil procedure govern the conduct of a lawsuit in the court system. Procedural rules are additionally controlled by separate statutory laws, case law, and constitutional provisions that define the rights of the parties to a lawsuit. The details and/or requirements of procedure differ greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and often from court to court within the same jurisdiction. For example, a lawsuit in a municipal court may have different rules and procedures than a lawsuit filed in a common pleas court or a federal court. The rules are very important for litigants to know, however, because they dictate the timing and progression of the lawsuit—what may be filed and when, to obtain what result. Failure to comply with the procedural rules may result in serious limitations upon the ability to present claims or defenses at any subsequent trial, or even dismissal of the lawsuit.